FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

EVSC Receives $2.5 Million Grant to Fund Full Service Community School Opportunities

The Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation has received a $2.5 million grant ($500,000 over five years) that will be used to coordinate education, health, social services and community programs district-wide, so that children and families can succeed in school and in our community, said Superintendent Vince Bertram during a news conference today (11-16-10). The U.S. Department of Education grant will help EVSC expand its Full-Service Community Schools initiatives. The EVSC was among 11 school districts selected nationally from more than 250 applicants from around the nation.

“Through this program, the EVSC plans to transform high poverty and persistently low achieving schools into Full-Service Community Schools (FSCS). Elements will include early childhood learning centers, after school and summer programs, a college access network, access to health services, social and emotional supports and alternatives to suspensions and expulsions,” Bertram said.

A full-service community school is a public elementary or secondary school that works with its local educational agency (LEA) and community-based organizations, nonprofit organizations, and other public or private entities to provide a coordinated and integrated set of comprehensive academic, social, and health services that respond to the needs of students, students’ family members, and community members. In addition, a full-service community school promotes family engagement by bringing together partnering organizations in order to offer a range of supports and opportunities for students, students’ family members, and community members.

In 2000, the EVSC spearheaded the development of a district-wide community school initiative called the School-Community Council. To date, more than 70 community organizations, businesses, and faith-based partners are collaborating to support schools. Components of the FSCS program are already in place at some EVSC schools. Schools that will be targeted with this grant funding include the Academy for Innovative Studies (6-12), Cedar Hall Community School (preK-8), Culver Family Learning Center (ages 3-5); Lincoln School (K-8); and McGary Middle School (6-8).

“We have a committed community and they have been working alongside us to address the diverse needs of our families and children,” said Cathlin Gray, associate superintendent for family, school, and community partnerships. “This grant will allow us to strengthen and grow that work. The grant will also be used to align our work to the School District’s Expectations for Excellence –

We believe that ‘Achieving our mission of Equity and Excellence for ALL children is a shared responsibility among EVSC faculty and staff, families and students, and our community.’ ”

On hand for the announcement today, was Martin Blank, president of the Institute for Educational Leadership in Washington, D.C., and director of the Coalition for Community Schools. Patricia Weinzapfel, project director for the Full-Service Community Schools grant, explained that Blank has been to the EVSC four times to help assist the community as the school district and area organizations worked to form these partnerships to aid students. Weinzapfel noted that Blank actually was a large catalyst in funding being available for the grant program. “He was a pioneer in helping secure dollars at the federal level to support the Full Service Community School Grants – the very grant we are announcing here today.”

The EVSC’s Full-Service Community School (FSCS) initiative will enhance existing resources and integrate services into a comprehensive network of programs. The FSCS mission in the EVSC is to establish school sites as places of community to enhance youth and family development. According to the Department of Education website on the grant program, the FSCS grants come from the Fund for the Improvement of Education (FIE), which is authorized by section 5411 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended (ESEA). It supports nationally significant programs to improve the quality of elementary and secondary education at the state and local levels and help all children meet challenging academic content and academic achievement standards. The FSCS program, which is funded under FIE, encourages coordination of academic, social, and health services through partnerships among(1) public elementary and secondary schools; (2) the schools’ local educational agencies (LEAs); and (3) community-based organizations, nonprofit organizations, and other public or private entities.

EVANSVILLE, IN – Nov. 16, 2010 – The Evansville-Vanderburgh Airport Authority District is pleased to announce that current Interim Manager and Treasurer-Finance Manager, Douglas Joest has been promoted to Airport Manager. In his new role, Mr. Joest will be responsible for overseeing all operations at Evansville Regional Airport as well as strengthening strategic relationships with the community, airlines, and governmental entities. Mr. Joest stated, “I look forward to working with our board, staff and community in continuing to improve Evansville Regional Airport for the tri-state area”

An Evansville native, Joest has served the airport for almost four years as Treasurer and Finance Manager and as Interim Manager since July 2010 as well as serving on the EVAAD board for 5 years. In addition to his 13 years management experience in aviation services, his many accomplishments include: BS Degree in Accounting from University of Southern Indiana, certified public accountant, instrument rated pilot, member of American Association of Airport Executives, member of American Institute of CPA’s, board member of Tri-State World Trade Network.

The search for a new manager began last July upon the retirement of long time airport manager Bob Working. A search committee of Board members and community leaders was formed to evaluate the leadership needs of the Evansville Regional Airport. “The search process revealed that Mr. Joest possesses the qualifications and experience that is necessary to effectively lead the airport. His knowledge of this community and the operations of the airport position him well to make a successful transition,” said Board President Derrick Stewart.

The Evansville-Vanderburgh Airport Authority District is located at 7801 Bussing Drive, Evansville, IN 47725-6799. For more information, please call 812-480-1471.

IS IT TRUE: November 16, 2010

IS IT TRUE that the recent settlement reached between the City of Evansville, the US Department of Justice, and the EPA to suspend further fines and penalties for a period of two years is a great opportunity for the City to get busy with an achievable efficient solution to our Combined Sewer Overflow problem?….that pursuing recompense from the previous operator Environmental Management Corp. that was under contract to the City of Evansville may just result in a settlement in the City’s favor?….that Environmental Management Corp.’s contract with the City of Evansville was renewed on several occasions during which CSO’s occurred routinely?…that the sewer system that the City of Evansville contracted Environmental Management Corp. to manage was spewing waste before they were hired, during the term of their contract, and after the City took back the management?….that it will be quite interesting to learn whether or not Environmental Management Corp. simply did what they were hired to do by the City of Evansville for many years?

IS IT TRUE that one of the basic services that is expected of a municipality is to have a working sewer?….that Evansville does not have and acceptable sewer system for its citizens?…that the EPA came down on the City of Evansville for a problem that has been going on unabated for more than 40 years?….that being allowed to defer maintenance on a sewer system that fowls the air and causes unsanitary conditions is an opportunity to correct the past?….that just because a 20 year waiver is granted that it does not mean that 20 years have to be taken to fix such a nasty problem?….that this is the kind of unresolved problem that is repulsive to potential employers and residents?…that being in proximity to a CSO discharge devalues properties and depresses the City’s tax base?….that it took good leadership on the part of Mayor Weinzapfel to be granted this extension without penalties or fines?….that it will take a true leader to get the citizens of Evansville on board to fix this problem as quick as possible without regard to the cost?…..that with interest rates at an all time low and jobs in immediate demand that there may never be a better time to fix our sewers than right now….that whomever the next Mayor of Evansville is has a golden opportunity to make a lasting difference in the quality of life here by getting on about the business of fixing these sewers?….that this problem should have been fixed at least 30 years ago?

IS IT TRUE that charity and investment both begin at home?….that Evansville is the only city in America with a population over 100,000 that does not have an active Angel Investment Group or a Venture Capital Firm?….that it is difficult for outsiders to justify investing here when local money does not invest here either?….that investment in Evansville is not sufficiently attractive to outside firms to have outside money lining up to put money into the Downtown or anywhere else?….that the Downtown Convention Hotel will be run better, will be more likely to attract outside money, and have better long term prospects IF Evansville based private funds and Evansville based management are the lead investors and managers in the Hotel project?…. that is true for in other projects that come along?……that Evansville people care more about Evansville than they do about that last half of a percent of return on investment?

Published: November 15, 2010

The nation’s leading voice on study abroad has again named the University of Evansville among America’s elite programs.
 


The Institute of International Education released its annual Open Doors report today, ranking the top study abroad programs in the nation. For the second consecutive year, UE ranks 9th in the country in study abroad participation among Master’s Degree-granting institutions, with 48.8 percent of graduates having studied abroad during their time on campus.



In all, 250 of the 512 Class of 2009 graduates at UE had studied abroad at some point during their college career, with most spending at least a semester abroad.
 


“The opportunity to study abroad is one of the hallmarks of the University of Evansville experience, and our sustained excellence in that area is a source of great pride,” said UE President Thomas A. Kazee. “The experiences our students gain from traveling and studying abroad – whether it is at our British campus, Harlaxton College, or anywhere else in the world – give our students a cultural awareness and well-rounded education that can’t be replicated in a traditional classroom.
 


“So we are very excited by this additional recognition, and by what it signifies to the University of Evansville and our students.”
 


While the IIE report quantifies the tremendous Study Abroad opportunities UE offers its students, it does not recognize the opportunities UE offers students at other universities through its British campus, Harlaxton College.
 
Currently, UE has signed partnerships with 20 other colleges across America who sent nearly 200 additional students to Harlaxton in the year covered by today’s report.



“The University of Evansville truly does offers students – both at UE and at our partner institutions – the opportunity to get a truly global education, as our ranking in the IIE Open Doors report illustrates,” said Earl Kirk, director of UE’s Study Abroad program. “But, while the recognition is nice, the most important thing we learn from these distinctions is that our students truly are receiving the kind of life-transforming educational experiences that our Study Abroad program is designed to offer.
 


“These experiences are part of our mission to prepare students to engage the world as informed, ethical, and productive citizens.”

The City County Observer is pleased to welcome and introduce County Commissioner Stephen Melcher as a City County Observer Columnist on Veterans Affairs. As a Veteran of the U.S. Army Commissioner Melcher is uniquely qualified to author high quality articles on all of the issues that are important to our treasured American Veterans.

Commissioner Melcher serves as Commander of Vanderburgh County Veterans Council, is a Life member of the both American Legion Post 354 (Vice-Commander) and Amvets Post 84. Stephen attends Grace & Peace Lutheran Church and values his faith while honoring his spiritual roots.

Stephen believes his role as a Commissioner is that of a public servant, and he has long emphasized the importance of leadership that provides economic development opportunities that welcome diversity. Stephen’s record reflects his opposition to any restrictions based on gender, ethnicity, age, disability, religion, race and economic background.

Stephen has a strong fiscal background in business and currently serves as Facilities Director for CAPE. Graduate of Bosse High School and attended University of Southern Indiana.

Stephen considers himself a vital link to his community and is actively involved in neighborhood associations and United Neighborhoods of Evansville. President of Lakeview Optimist Club (life member), Fraternal Order of Police Association, Indiana Right to Life and Right to Life of Vanderburgh County. He works to provide residents with a sense of fairness in the government process and to provide an improved quality of life for our families and neighborhoods.

Commissioner Melcher is experienced as an author having contributed many editorials and op-ed pieces over his political and professional career here in Evansville, Indiana. It is our privilege to partner with Commissioner Melcher in his passion for advocating for American Veterans and we are looking forward reading and publishing all of his monthly columns.

IS IT TRUE: November 15, 2010

IS IT TRUE that City County Observer Mole #3 says that contrary to popular opinion that Jim Braker will file for a recount in the election for Knight Township Trustee?…that this is posted at 2:15 PM CST on Monday November 15, 2010?

IS IT TRUE that in 2003 then Mayor Russ Lloyd Jr. spent roughly $1 million on a study for a Downtown Baseball Stadium?…..that an affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers was planning to move to Evansville to play their home games in that stadium?….that Cal Ripken and current Los Angeles Dodgers Manager and Evansville native Don Mattingly were on board as shareholders with the affiliated team?…..that current Mayor of Evansville, Jonathan Weinzapfel made that baseball stadium a campaign issue?…that then candidate Weinzapfel called the study for the $25.5 million baseball stadium a “waste of scarce City of Evansville resources”, chided Mayor Lloyd for “failing to involve the public”, and subsequently won the Mayor’s office?

IS IT TRUE that learning from one’s mistakes is a great characteristic of a leader?….that in coming out against the $18 Million Robert’s Stadium ball fields project that Russ Lloyd Jr. showed that he had in fact learned from the mistake that he made in 2003?….that Mayor Weinzapfel will soon be responsible for two stadiums in Downtown Evansville?…that Mayor Weinzapfel’s criticisms of Russ Lloyd Jr. in his aggressive campaign to become Mayor in 2003 kept Downtown Evansville from having an affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers in a new baseball stadium similar to the ones in Louisville and Indianapolis?….that Mayor Weinzapfel is the driving force behind the new Evansville Arena and recently has been quoted as “seeing no other funded use” for the Robert’s Stadium property other than $4.9M of ballfields and $12.6M in improvements to the City of Evansville infrastructure including $1.5M to demolish Robert’s Stadium?….that the $18M Ball Fields of dreams and the $25.5M semi-pro Baseball Stadium are similar in price, similar in dollars spent on a study, similar in being pursued without public support, and have met a similar non-acceptance at the hand of the citizens of Evansville?….that Russ Lloyd Jr. seems to have learned from the mistakes of the past but that current Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel has not?….that Mayor Weinzapfel has repeated the very mistake that he capitalized on at the expense of Russ Lloyd Jr. to become Mayor in the 2003 election?

IS IT TRUE that the readers of the City County Observer soundly defeated the proposition of deference being paid to Mayor Weinzapfel?….that the margin of defeat for waiting in line like bridesmaids until the current Mayor makes his intentions known was 9 to 1?…that Vanderburgh County Democratic Party Chairman Mark Owen needs to make a mental note of that result?…that the City County Observer supports openness, honesty, and personal choice when it comes to a wannabe candidate making announcements with respect to seeking elected offices?

What Is Asset Allocation?

The term “asset allocation” is often tossed around in discussions of investing. But what exactly is it? Simply put, asset allocation is about not putting all your eggs in one basket. More formally, it is a systematic approach to diversification that determines the most efficient mix of assets based on your risk tolerance and time horizon.

Asset allocation seeks to manage investment risk by diversifying a portfolio among the major asset classes, such as stocks, bonds, and cash equivalents. Each asset class has a different level of risk and potential return. At any given time, while one asset category may be increasing in value, another may be decreasing in value. Asset allocation attempts to limit the risk by diversification. So if the value of one asset class or security drops, the other asset classes or securities may help cushion the blow.

Dividing your investments in this way may help you ride out market fluctuations and protect your portfolio from a major loss in any one asset class. Of course, it is also important to understand the risk versus return tradeoff. Generally, the greater the potential return of an investment, the greater the risk. Diversification does not guarantee a profit or protect against loss. It is method used to help manage investment risk.

As a result, the makeup of a portfolio should be based on your risk tolerance. Generally, you should not place all your assets in those categories that have the highest potential for gain if you are concerned about the prospect of a loss. It is essential to find a balance of asset classes with the highest potential return for your risk profile.

The other factors that are vital to developing an asset allocation strategy are your investment goals and time horizon. When you are considering how to diversify your portfolio, ask yourself what you want to accomplish with your investments. Are you planning to buy a new car or house soon? Do you aspire to pay for your children’s college education? When retirement rolls around, would you like to travel and buy a vacation home? These factors should all be considered when outlining an asset allocation strategy.

If you require a specific amount of money at a point in the near future, you might want to consider a strategy that involves less risk. On the other hand, if you are saving for retirement and have several years until you will need the funds, you might be able to invest for greater growth potential, although this will also involve greater risks.

Whichever asset allocation scenario you decide on, it’s important to remember that there is no one strategy that fits every type of investor. Your specific situation calls for a specific approach with which you are comfortable and one that will help you pursue your investment goals.
This material was written and prepared by Emerald. © 2010 Emerald

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The 2010 elections results had not even been certified yet when aspiring candidates for Mayor of Evansville in the 2011 election started hinting of their candidacies. There has currently been one Democratic candidate formally announce, another hint at interest, and the Central Committee Chairman Mark Owen has admonished them all to sit quietly in deference to a potential announcement by current Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel.

Mr. Davis formally announced his candidacy at the Soldiers and Sailors Coliseum last Thursday to a vocal and supportive crowd that has been estimated at between 250 and 400. Recently defeated Vanderburgh County Assessor Jonathan Weaver has been quoted as interested in the office of Mayor but has not made any formal announcement.

The City County Observer conducted polls for each party nomination with a slate of could-be candidates that came from community at large. There are some familiar names of perennial candidates in the poll but interestingly there are some newcomer surprises as well. The raw data in order of preference from the polls is as follows:

Republican Nominee: Dan McGinn 198, Ira Boots 113, Russ Lloyd Jr. 108, Frank Peterlin 92, None of the above 62, Cheryl Musgrave 58, Lloyd Winnecke 44, and Joe Kiefer 16

Democratic Nominee: Rick Davis 200, none of the above 81, Steve Melcher 33, Jonathan Weaver & Jonathan Weinzapfel each with 31, and Troy Tornatta 5.

Multiple votes were not allowed and each poll was up for approximately 5 days. We take the polls down when the voting volume slows down to the point that it will not affect the outcome to leave it up.
We did put up another poll regarding our reader’s opinion of Vanderburgh Democratic Party Chairman Mark Owen’s assertion that “deference should be paid to Mayor Weinzapfel”. The results of this poll are as follows:

“Do you agree with Democratic Party Chairman Mark Owen that aspiring candidates for Mayor should grant deference to Mayor Weinzapfel?” No Votes: 185 Yes Votes: 25

It seems that the readers of the City County Observer are solidly of the belief that it is up to each candidate to craft their own strategy and to make their candidacy known to the public when they choose without paying homage to any sitting office holder while they casually make up their mind.
It is time to narrow the field so we have a new poll. This poll is between the top two vote getters from each party and is an “open” election.